NDO/VNA – Ho Chi Minh City will create optimal conditions for Japanese firms to do long-term business in the city, said Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Le Thanh Liem.

Receiving a delegation of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI)’s Youth Committee led by its head, Uchida Shigenobu, on August 7, Liem lauded the visit, which, he believes, would strengthen the all-round cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Japan, especially in trade and investment.

Over the past few years, the traditional relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and localities from Japan has been fostered through collaboration programmes in culture, economy, education and tourism, he said, adding that Japan is now the fifth largest foreign investor in the city.

Liem said that Ho Chi Minh City has many export processing zones, industrial parks and high-tech parks which are always ready to welcome Japanese investors.

For his part, Shigenobu said that the delegation, comprising of more than 100 delegates from over 100 businesses, representing 34,000 JCCI member companies, aims to study the investment environment and seek partnerships and investment opportunities in the city.

While appreciating the municipal authorities’ support and assistance for Japanese investors, Shigenobu stressed that Japanese firms are confident in the city’s economic development potential.

He expressed his hope to continue receiving support from Ho Chi Minh City for Japanese enterprises that are seeking investment and business opportunities in the city.

The JCCI’s Youth Commission will work hard to contribute to fostering economic, trade and investment between Japan and Ho Chi Minh City, thus strengthening the sound friendship and partnership between Japan and Vietnam, he promised.